Trying To Fit Yoga In for Thursday October 4

[lorajc]

Morning Ladies -

This moring I did Kimberly Spreen's Absolute Kickboxing. I alternated cardio and combat segments. Only used my 5# bar, as it's TTOTM and my back and sciatica seem to be flaring. Workout was 75" and I burned 460 calories. I also did Ravi & Ana's Bye Bye Back Pain off of Dr. Yoga House Call. Will have to try and do the Sciatica segment later...need it badly.

I'm eating breakfast and then I have to go grocery shopping. We have a meeting with our Realtor at 1:00 pm also. I never did get my Puddle of Mudd/Saliva tickets like I was supposed to. I've got to call them later to see where they are.

We are meeting with the Realtor to see a couple of houses on the street our new house is going to be listed. We're also getting ready to get it on the market....but it won't be on for a few weeks, as the Deed hasn't come yet, but should be here soon. The carpet looks nice. It still needs the bathroom floor installed and some fixup work in different rooms -- little details. I think this one will probably sell before the other one now! At least, I hope so, as the market is flooded.

Kel -I don't have that other Yoga you mentioned....and I don't think I need any more Baby Boomer DVDs...LOL. I guess I'm a tail-end Baby Boomer, as I was born in 59 but don't tell anyone. I have a birthday coming up this weekend and I'm not really thrilled about it. The running joke around here is that I've been 48 for the last 3 years cuz I can never remember how old I am and I thought I was 48......but I will be 48 this weekend. Too much brain cell damage from my younger years....cuz this certainly isn't my age showing.......nah!! LOL.

Jen - Yes, I did have to wait sort of long to see the doctor. They appeared to be having a crazy day. I'm sure doctors are not used to patients like me. I'm very informed, very active and always have TONS of questions. I don't think he liked it....but oh well....too bad. He's not becoming my favorite out of the 3 doctor's I've seen in the practice. I'll have to ask Yve about Jivamiktu...as she missed reading our conversation. I'm curious.

Yve - are you familiar with Jivamiktu yoga at all? Jen and I are curious about it. I recently got a DVD thru Acacia called Power to the Peaceful Yoga and the instructors are Jivamiktu (spelling??) and it was one tough little flow workout with some unique moves in it? Do you have any insight to offer us? Also, re: Foam Roller workouts. I got one thru a seller on Ebay (I think -- can't remember exactly....saw the info on VideoFitness and ordered). It is a core/pilates workout with a woman named Julia Afram. She's british or Bahamian.....not sure which. I've only done it once, but I think you may be interested in it?

Christine - how's it going?
Did all of the PET LOVERS see the post that Laura Max posted on the Open Discussion forum? It's freakin' hilarious. I had the best laugh I've had in a long time. You ladies must head over there and read it. I gave it to Mom and the DH and they also loved it. There's one part in it about cats and bathrooms and my Mom's cat attacks her in the middle of the night when she tries to go to the bathroom....so I was sure she would find it amusing. There is also a part in there about how they always have to beat you up the steps and trip you....which I found particulary funny....as that has always made me laugh about my cats! Go read it now.............................thanks......

 

[HipChick]

Good morning everyone. This morning I did SJP Step & Hi/Lo premix. I hadn't done step at all this week so I really enjoyed it. I'd like to go for a brisk walk during lunch but it's raining here so I may do some yoga instead. It depends on what the weather is like once noon arrives. I'll let you know. Didn't get a chance to fit any yoga in last night because my DH called while I was on my way home & he was one his way home too. Even though I was glad to spend more time with him, I was still disappointed because I had gotten myself so worked up about doing some yoga. I had already decided which one, etc. Oh well. At least we got to enjoy the hot tub before bed anyway.

Speaking of yoga... I tend to prefer really "stretchy" kind of practices, rather that the really intense strength-oriented & sweaty ones. Of course, I realize that all types have their own benefits but I use yoga more for stretching & lengthening so I tend to reach for the same couple of DVDs, over & over, whenever I have the opportunity to do it. I think if I was able to do it more or was using it more for strength & endurance, I might select different practices but since I do so much intense cardio & strength training throughout the week, I always reach for the stretchy, relaxing ones instead. So I was wondering what DVD practices you ladies would recommend for me, keeping that in mind? Is Power Yoga for Happiness really stretchy? How about Shiva Rea's Fluid Power? Just curious because when I make my next purchases, I want to be sure that the DVDs I select will suit me the best & get the most use. TIA for any advice you can offer with this!

Lora - It goes without saying but great workout this morning! Good news you got about the boot yesterday... & good luck with the realtor today too. I was just asking about that yoga DVD because I want to be sure my next DVD purchases suit me & my needs (see above) so any advice you might be able to offer would be much appreciated. Yeah, that "Pet Lovers" post was hilarious! So much of it really hit home with me... especially the part about them having to beat us up & down the stairs. My crazy dog... LOL!

Jen - Great workout last night & good job continuing to be consistent too. What kind of rotation are you thinking about doing? I never do any of Cathe's because they're all geared to those who work out 6 days per week & I only work out 5. That's why I always tend to make up my own rotations. I don't have any workouts that use a band, which is one of the reasons I plan to make an additional purchase around the time that the new DVDs are ready to ship. That way, I can get a couple of bands & some new workouts too. What others besides MM would you recommend?

Yve - I don't have Rhythmic Step but I've heard that it's tons of fun & the favortie step workout for many. Is it a "must have" in your opinion? Of course, I don't own Yoga for Happiness either but I would be most appreciative if you could offer some advice regarding my questions above. Good luck with your Thanksgiving dinner this weekend! I'm sure it will all turn out great & everyone will have lots of fun too! What will you be making?

Christine - Are you still checking in? I enoyed your insight into yoga when you were around. Hope everything is okay...

I better get cracking. Hope everyone has a great day & I'll be back later...

 

[lorajc]

Kel - I also prefer stretchy kinds also....mostly cuz I'm so battered from my hard workouts that I need them and since I've gotten away from doing a lot of the aggressive flow yoga, I've really been enjoying the Hatha practices. I always think I want to plan a week out with a balance of weights, cardio, power yoga, hatha yoga, and Pilates, as well as Bar Method....but whenver I go to paper and figure.....I go crazy with sheet after sheet and throw in the towel!! I'm a basket case! I always say I'll do it when I lose the weight I need to lose! Until then, I'm weight loss/cardio/fat burn obssessed.

RE: yoga rec's - PY4H with Eion is a great DVD. I'd say it's a good balance of strength, endurance and stretching! Some of the premixes only have brief periods of the vigorous and fast paced sun salutations so it doesn't go on forever before it moves into all of the "good" stuff. On days when I do it and my legs are particularly sore, or I'm tired, I usually can't keep up with them during the salutations....but I don't worry about it. There is also one brief sequence where you really get a heck of a burn going in the legs....but again I sort of come up out of the lunges if I need to because I really enjoy the practice so much in every other way. The Magically Hips premix is 60" long and is amazing for getting into those places you get tight from cardio/weights.

Another practice I'd like to recommend that is slower than the above and is also a good balance of calm and effort (but still not a vigorous flow practice) and it's one of my all time favorites for many reasons.....music, setting, instructor ( a bit easy on the eyes...just like Eion), pose selection and the way you feel at the end!.....but it's 75" long....however, there is a break point midway that you could stop at if you wanted to. It's Tilak Pyle's Altar of the Heart. It's for sale at www.Fitnessorganica.com and I think she might have a clip of it. He also has a website you can purchase it from...(if you want him to sign your receipt with a "thanks Tilak"). It's shot in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has an original soundtrack with Krishna Das, Jai Uttal and others.

Lastly, Fluid Power is one of my fave's also. Although, there IS A learning curve with this DVD. It is not your traditional yoga.....and Shiva calls it Fluid Yoga...so it's off the beaten path. When I first got it - I stared at it like WTH????? but after watching and pausing, etc....I finally picked it up. There are still segments I don't do that often (and some I've never done) as I tend to do the practice in a certain format each time I do it......cuz I love the one format I have chosen. It's done on a Matrix just like Yoga Shakti....so you can make your own practice. The forward bending and twisting segment on that one is excellent for getting into the piriformis, etc. I love it. It has some reverse poses on the floor that are different and the scenery is gorgeous....white sands...music is Jai Uttal...but much different than Yoga Shakti.

Hope that helps somewhat.....now those are on my "to do" list for the near future....as I haven't done them in a while.

What about Rainbeau Mars? Do you like her? Do you have her Yoga for Beauty Dusk/Dawn ones? They are cheap and 2 of my fave's and also not that vigorous. I love those when I'm in a "bad place" mentally as they always seem to cheer me up..............so sounds like another couple just got moved to the "to do" list.

Gotta run....must get my lunch so I can get ready to go meet the REaltor.



Jen - if you're lookin' for a rotation....do you buy M&F Hers? If so, do you have the issue from July/Aug? There's a Burn Fat rotation I'm thinking of starting. It's weights and kickboxing, etc. Good going being consistent again. I hadn't really noticed that you weren't.......only noticed you missed a couple which is no biggie.

Yve - I would die if I had to cook Turkey dinner for 20 people. I hate the kitchen, being in it, as well as Turkey.......so it wouldn't be fun for me. I hope it is something you enjoy though. That's a big crowd! I'd order pizza and salad for everyone!! LOL with fruit salad for dessert!!! I know....I'm pretty funny!!

 

[Yvanna]

Hi Ladies,

Today I went out for a 45 minute walk. My legs are sore from yesterday's rhythmic step... it has been a while since I had done step. Today is DH's bday and we are going to go out for some Chinese food tonight. The family is coming over on the weekend and we will have some cake too.

Lora - I don't know alot about Jivamukti - but my understanding is that is isn't so much a form of yoga as it is about the spiritual side of yoga. It tends to be more a part of either a tough Hatha practice - or a Vinyasa practice. It deals with having the proper alignment - getting through difficult postures - and how in doing this - one should get closer to one's spiritual side. Seane Corne talks alot about "practicing with intention". About how the more you practice with intention - your mind and soul are liberated, you feel more free, you become more and more compassionate about all things.. whether it be social issues, political issues, you are just more aware of things. That the more you practice - you become stronger physcially - as well as mentally - you have better health and gain acceptance of oneself..with the ultimate goal of being closer to the divine - being God. There also tends to be meditation, deep breathing and chanting in the practices. It encourages people to be non-judgemental, to be grateful, respecting all living things. I haven't ever done the Gannon/Life dvd - but Seane Corne is probably my favourite.
Sure - I wouldn't mind giving the roller workout a try.

Kel - I do love Rhythmic Step.... and Step Blast. I would say it is a must have in terms of Cathe cardio. Power Yoga is a nice flow workout. He incorporates alot of postures in his practice that are geared at opening up the heart. It is a fairly easy practice - but nice background and he teaches well. But - if you want something entirely stretchy - I'd stick with Hatha - rather than flow/power yoga. WRT Thanksgiving - it will cheese pitas and spinach pitas as appetizers - plus a shrimp ring, a green salad and a tomato salad; plus the traditonal Greek cheeses. The mains will be - turkey, roast beef, rice stuffing, and sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers and steamed broccoli. My mom is bringing swiss chard dolmades...which is ground beef and rice - stuffed inside the swiss chard leaves - and then cooked and lemon sauce poured on top. ( its like the traditional Greek dish with stuffed grape leaves - only using swiss chard) ; For dessert - I ordered two cakes - one for DH's bday - and one for my mom's bday. I was going to bake some pie - but figured it would be too much sweet stuff left over.

Jenn - Mom's bday dinner was nice - they were happy to get out for a while. We ended up going to the golf course up the street - and had a quiet dinner. When all of us are together on the weekend - we wil also have a cake for her. My brother lives about 20 minutes away - but when he isn't working - he makes a point of stopping in to see me. DH has trouble with his back... and so my brother often volunteers to help me when it comes to doing heavy work.
Thanks for the description of Netflix. Its a very smart idea.. I don't think that we have anything similar in Canada. What sort of rotation do you think you will do next?

Christine - hope all is well.

Have a nice day ladies.

 

[lorajc]

Yve - I'm sorry......I didn't mean I was interested in getting rid of the Foam roller workout.....but I was thinking you might want to buy it from Ebay but I can't remember the store I bought it from over there. If I have time this weekend, I'll search Videofitness to try and find the link. I think you would enjoy it. THanks for the interpretation about Jivamiktu yoga. It makes sense now...cuz it was a hard flow yoga workout and they did talk a lot about the things you mention and I thought it was sort of hokey.....but maybe i'm just not used to it......but I do think it's a very good message....although, (not to sound full of myself), I'm already a very non-judgmental person, etc. Your DH is a Libra!!! my bday is this weekend. My DH is a Libra too................that's sweet. Libra's are good people....not that I'm partial or anything.....just don't ask us to make a decision! LOL.

 

[Yvanna]

Hi Lora,

No worries at all.... I thought you wanted to sell it... but that is ok.. I will look it up - and see if I can get it from a Canadian source.
I hope you have a happy bday this weekend also. Libra's definately are good people and I had to chuckle when you said don't ask us to make a decision..... Did you know dh and I dated for 7 yrs before getting married?? He is a wonderful person - but does not like to plan. I don't know why - he just doesn't enjoy it. As a result, we end up doing things at the last minute... which drives me a little batty - bc I am an overplanner. What I have learned so far in 3 mos of marriage is that I will just have to do the planning :7

I agree that most of us are non-judgemental etc... I think though that hearing the words sometimes helps me - in my own mind - to try not to get angry if I feel I am being treated unfairly - it helps me let things go if you will.. helps with forgiveness....
Yoga (well - combined with pilates) for me has done wonders in terms of strength..in terms of my posture, as well as with lower back pain. Aside from that - It helps me feel grounded - relaxed - and I really do let go of whatever bad feelings are going on - whether it is stress from work - or something personal - whether it is anxiety.. It just makes me feel revitalized and at peace.

Now having said that - I am by no means a preacher of buddhist principles - or yogic philosophy or anything like that... I can only say I find peace in yoga.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Hey all!

I'm following along, but checking in sometimes is a challenge - especially as I'm a Cheetah, too, so I'm sorry if my check-ins are sporadic!

I do agree that doing yoga several times a week does help me face my life's challenges with a less passionate view point. I know when I'm starting to feel anxious and out of sorts, that I need to up my yoga practice! I have a nice long session planned tomorrow. LOL. My DH is being a pain right now and I'm a highly emotional eater. Yoga helps with that a lot.

 

[Yvanna]

Hi Christine,

Glad you are doing ok.

Hope you enjoy your session tomorrow... You need it after what you have been through in the last while.

Take care,

Yve

 

[lorajc]

Yve - You don't sound preachy at all!! You're a sweetie! I will have to find that Ebay store where I bought the Foam Roller workout. Ebay usually ships to Canada. I will look this weekend. RE: your DH and Libra's.......I'm not sure the "not planning" is a Libra trait. I think it's more that we plan on doing one thing and then at the last minute, we change our mind and do something totally different. You should see how funny it is in our household with 2 Libra's. That constantly goes on around here....or else it's ..."I don't care.....either is okay with me ....what do you want to do??...........I don't care either......I can't decide..........me neither!!! etc. I hate to sound cheesy...but I really do believe in astrology cuz I did a print out on a computer site that has you enter the time of your birth, date of birth, year, etc. and then it gives you your entire astrological portrait including what your ascending sign is and your moon sign. It was from Astro.com and it was a 6 page document. I read it and was dumbfounded. It explained me in so much detail to a tee.......in all aspects of my life...work, home, etc. I showed it to my Mom and she couldn't believe it either. I still have it. It's amazing. Also, have you ever heard of Classical Stretch www.classicalstretch.com ? I have collected several of them and they make for wonderful evening sessions. It is sort of a bit of stretching, flowing tai chi movements, some ballet movements (she is a former ballerina), pilates type movements. I started doing them while you were away from the check in. I think I should do one this evening as my sciatica/back pain is flaring and I need it.

Hi Christine - good to hear from you. No worries about being sporadic.

 

[andtckrtoo]

For some personals –

Lora - I have my fingers crossed for your house sale! Yeah, the market is tough right now, but if you hang in there, it will sell. I loved Laura’s discussion in the open forum. Too funny! I have bruises on my legs from Jimmy running into me with the cone he has on from surgery. I make him sit and stay so I can get down the stairs first. LOL.

Kel – Ahh, hot tub before bed – sounds wonderful! I love both kinds of yoga. I do use it for stretching a lot – I have shorter videos for right after a run, etc. But I like Power Yoga and the strength required to do it. It’s a more fluid strength than regular weight lifting. Power Yoga for Happiness is kind of both – he does a lot of the vinyasa’s but in between they are good stretches. I just feel so peaceful doing his video – he’s very into calm. Plus he’s darned cute. I could sit and watch him all day. :+

Yvanna – Happy Birthday to DH! Chinese food sounds devine! Enjoy! I sometimes enjoy a nice long walk. I love getting out in the fresh air and moving. Funny, I’ve been reading up on Buddhist principles as well as other religions that really practice peace. My DH is Indian and I’m familiar with the Hindu beliefs and actually had the wonderful experience of taking yoga from from a yogi when I was in India. That was pretty wild. He shows up in traditional Indian dress – with the long beard and everything – comes back out in an Italian track suit. It took a few moments to get used to it. I’m not a vegetarian, but I do not eat a lot of meat. And I’m in no way a preacher of anything (except exercise and a decent diet).

Enjoy ladies – you are a very warm and caring group!